Welcome to the Rosehill newsletter in this, National Reconciliation Week, which takes place from 27th May to 3rd June each year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s history and the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Our homegroup programs this week focused on the meaning and purpose of reconciliation.
There has been much happening in and around the school and I acknowledge and thank our staff and students who organise and participate in the broad range of extra-curricular activities available. Such activities enrich the education that Rosehill offers, and it is always terrific to see students bring back their stories and learnings for others to share.
For Example:
- Last week, two of our Year 10 students, Gorja Bhardwaj and Audrey Cook, attended the Model United Nations Assembly. This is an event organised by Rotary and aims to develop an awareness of the United Nations and promote understanding of international governance and diplomacy.
- On 29th May, nine of our junior students competed in a Chess friendly competition with local schools at Keilor Downs College, supported by Mr Jerome Love.
- Each week, on Friday afternoons, our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students have been undertaking volunteer work in the local community.
- Year 10 and 11 Systems Technology/Engineering students visited Quantum Victoria to participate in a 3D modelling and design Fusion 360 workshop, organised by Mr Larry De Cata and Ms Ann Anderson.
- Year 12 students attended the Melbourne Careers Expo where they explored a wide range of post-secondary school options including university courses, TAFE programs, apprenticeships, cadetships and international opportunities, organised by our Careers Team.
- Two of our International Student Program students, Hannah Ha and Dat Luong, have been selected as finalists in the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards and will attend this event with Ms Hudson later this term.
- Interschool sport has been very popular, with teams competing in volleyball, netball, basketball, soccer and AFL football as well as cross country, thanks to the organisation of Ms Chelsea Giannino and Ms Erin Quinn. On most occasions our teams have reached the finals at the district level. Win, lose or draw, we congratulate our students and regularly receive positive feedback on the way they conduct themselves.
- Finally, we have two very exciting prospective international educational tours available for students and families to consider: the New Zealand STEM Tour including a 3-day space camp for November/December this year and the Italy Tour for April 2026. Contact Ms Stephanie Wasif or Ms Ann Anderson for the STEM Tour and Ms Josie Costanzo for the Italy Tour.
Assessment and Reporting Programs
As we approach the exam period and end of Semester 1 assessments, all students should be focused on their study and homework habits and responding to feedback provided by their teachers.
The after-school tuition program takes place every Wednesday and all students are encouraged to attend. Teachers are on hand to assist students, and attendance is recognised with Compass Green Posts. Ms Meena Sharma, the program coordinator, reports a very good turn out to the sessions, so I congratulate the students who are showing this initiative and agency over their learning. Details about the program are included in this newsletter.
We know that the habits of regular practice and review are great determinants of academic progress and success. Earlier this year, senior students had the opportunity to learn about practices proven to increase retention of knowledge and success in assessments through workshops provided by Elevate Education, and I encourage them to revisit and employ these ideas and strategies.
There will be a pupil free day on Tuesday 17th June for teachers to complete their assessments and reports. Families are also reminded that grades and feedback on student assessment tasks can be viewed at any time under Compass Learning Tasks.
Staffing Update
Ms Rhiannon Smith has commenced family leave and is replaced by Ms Hannah Huebner. We wish Rhiannon and her family well as they welcome their new baby.
Uniform Reminder
As the colder weather arrives, I remind students and families of the college uniform policy, details of which can be found on our website and in the student diary. Long school pants, stockings with pleated skirt, long sleeve shirts, V-neck college jumper, school jacket and plain dark navy or black scarves are suitable for wearing in the winter months. Items such as hoodies or other leisure wear are not suitable or permissible for school wear. I am pleased to see a growing number of our female students wearing the long school pants now that a better fitting cut has been added to the uniform list.
Facilities
Several minor works projects have been completed around the school, including a small office extension and the asphalt resurfacing between the library and A and B wings. Further works to be completed during the upcoming holidays include repainting of our portable classrooms and recarpeting of our library.
Susan McLean – Cyber Safety Evening
If you haven’t already done so, please register for this event which takes place on Thursday 19th June. The information Susan shares is illuminating and the strategies for parents are very useful. If you are the parent of a young person who loves spending time on a device, please do come along!
Frances Snow
ACTING PRINCIPAL
